The correct answer is option (2) as the correct order (from old to recent) of periods in Paleozoic era is Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian • Option (1) is incorrect because Permian, is mentioned before (carboniferous). • Option (3) is incorrect because it is mentioned that Permian is the oldest period of Paleozoic era. • Option (4) is incorrect because it is mentioned that Devonian is the recent period of Paleozoic era.